Beagle Bay Organics

USDA Certified Organic

Beagle Bay Organics started with two heads of cabbage, a little sea salt, two Beagles, and a ceramic crock.

In 2004 we embarked on a new direction in our lives. We quit some less than healthy habits and began the journey of searching out and eating traditional foods. One of the additions to our diet was sauerkraut. We bought it through a local farmer and began eating a bite or two every day. Why? Because we learned about the incredible health benefits of sauerkraut. Eating lacto-fermented foods every day strengthens the immune system and improves digestion. Within a few weeks, we realized that kraut had become a part of our every day life. Eventually, we decided to try our hand at making our own kraut the old fashioned way.

We bought a ceramic crock, cabbage, and sea salt and we were off and running (the Beagles are an optional part of the process – they just love the kraut!) And what we discovered was that we were really good at it! Soon, our farmer asked to buy our kraut to sell to his customers so we started making bigger batches. Next we experimented with different flavors. Eventually, we moved into a commercial kitchen and the Beagles stayed home. But our roots in small homemade batches still continue to inspire us to make the tastiest and healthiest kraut possible.

Sauerkraut 101:

I see the word “Lacto” on your label. If I don’t eat dairy or lactose, can I eat Beagle Bay Organic sauerkraut?
Yes you can. Our products are lactose-free. Lacto-fermentation refers to the natural culture used in fermenting the sauerkraut (Lactobaciliusacidophilus). Lactobacilius is a friendly bacteria that transfers cabbage sugars into lactic acid – a natural preservative.

What happens if a jar of Beagle Bay Organic Sauerkraut is left out of the refrigerator?
The fermentation process will begin again. Within a few hours, some carbonation may result which is harmless. You can stop this process by leaving the partially sealed jar in the refrigerator for a day or so. Some people may choose to do this to increase the sourness of the sauerkraut.

How long will Beagle Bay Organic Sauerkraut last?
Beagle Bay Organic Sauerkraut is good up to six months from the bottling date (but we’ve had it last much longer!)

Why should I eat fermented vegetables when I can have fresh vegetables?
Because fermented vegetables contain a lot of enzymes and are somewhat “predigested”, they will be easier to digest and your body will have an easier time assimilating all the nutrients the vegetables contain. Just as important, they will help you digest and assimilate the other protein-rich foods you eat.

I have noticed that Beagle Bay Organic sauerkraut seems to be different texture and/or taste each different time I try them – why?
We make Beagle Bay Organic Sauerkraut in small handmade batches. Different factors including season, climate, and soil variations can affect the moisture content of the cabbage. As a result, each batch can have subtle but distinct differences in taste, texture, and color. And because the products are raw, even though they are refrigerated they will continue to ferment slowly which also affects the flavor.

How much salt (sodium) is in Beagle Bay Organic sauerkraut?
The sodium content varies between 1.5% to 2% of Celtice Sea Salt ® .

Why does Beagle Bay use Celtic Sea Salt® in its sauerkraut?
“Celtic Sea Salt® Brand – The Original Brand – is authentic, unprocessed whole salt from one of the most pristine coastal regions of France. Since 1976, Celtic Sea Salt® Brand has been harvested by the paludiers (salt farmers) of Brittany using a farming method that preserves the purity and balance of ocean minerals. Celtic Sea Salt® Brand is doctor recommended, more nutritious than table salt, quality certified and has exquisite taste.”(taken from http://www.celticseasalt.com)